The event was criticized by the organization Human Rights Watch, which called on Formula One to express its concern about a “deliberate strategy to divert attention from the country’s image as a widespread human rights abuser”.
The report, issued by HRW, which follows a letter requesting a meeting with F1 top management and FIA President Jean Todt, says F1’s presence in the country “enhances the well-funded efforts of the Saudi government to improve its image to gloss over, to strengthen despite a considerable increase in repression ”. in recent years.”
The seven-time world champion Hamilton has spoken out loudly for human rights and last time presented a prominent rainbow helmet livery at the Qatar Grand Prix – to support the LGBTQ + community – which he wants to continue to use in Jeddah and next week in Abu Dhabi in the final round .
Speaking to the media on Thursday before the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, Hamilton said he believed Formula 1 “had a duty to raise awareness of certain human rights issues in these countries do have”.
The Mercedes driver emphasized that he had been “given a warm welcome” by the local people, but admitted that “would not say” that he felt comfortable at races in the country.
When asked if Saudi’s place on the calendar contradicts the ‘We Race As One’ message F1 has put out for the past two seasons, Hamilton said: “I cannot say I am the most knowledgeable and understanding of anyone to have who did it grew up in a community that is strongly influenced by certain rules and the regime.
“Do I feel comfortable here? I wouldn’t say that, but it’s not my choice to be here.
“Sport made the choice to be here and whether it is right or wrong, I think while we are here I think it’s important to raise awareness again.
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 1st place, waves from Parc Ferme
Photo by: Steve Etherington / Motorsport Images
“For example in the last race [in Qatar] You saw the helmet that I was wearing, I will wear it again here and at the next race, because that is an issue.
“There are changes that need to be made.”
Hamilton cited that although Saudi law was changed in 2018 to allow women to drive legally, “some of the women are still in jail for driving many, many years ago.”
He added, “A lot has to change and our sport has to do more.”
In a statement, Prince Khalid bin Sultan al-Faisal said: “It is good to see that the people stand for what they believe. But at the same time we have our culture, our traditions.
“We understand, and for someone with their background and culture, I completely understand why they do this.
“I think he should do what he does, whatever he supports and think that he is right for him. We respect his opinion.”
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